Northern Brain Injury Association Board Of Directors

Our very dedicated and talented board of directors have made the dreams and visions of the Northern Brain Injury Association into reality.

They collectively volunteer hundreds of hours of their time and talents to make NBIA succeed. Their commitment to the reduction of brain injury incidents is inspirational—thank each of you for everything that you do!!!

Doug Jones

Doug Jones is an award winning radio and television personality in Prince George, BC, and has been the president of the Northern Brain Injury Association for the past few years.

Mr. Jones is a strong advocate for the prevention of brain injury through helmet use, and has been very proactive about promoting brain injury awareness in northern British Columbia. But, Doug’s contributions are not limited to the Northern Brain Injury Association.

He has also volunteered for the United Way of Northern BC, the Rent Subsidy Committee, and has provided his professional services as master of ceremonies for many local not-for-profit fundraising events, including the Northern Realtors’ annual dinner, and the Friends of Children Society fundraiser.

Dr. Henry G. Harder

Dr. Henry G. Harder is Professor and past Chair of the School of Health Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia.

He currently holds the Dr. Donald B. Rix BC Leadership Chair in Aboriginal Environmental Health. He is a registered psychologist. Dr. Harder has been in the fields of mental health, rehabilitation and disability management for over 25 years. His research interests are in aboriginal health, disability issues, workplace mental health, and suicide prevention. He is a Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded scholar.

Dr. Harder is a published author and has made presentations and conducted workshops throughout Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia. He is a member of the College of Psychologists of British Columbia, Network Environments for Aboriginal Research in BC, Canadian Psychological Association, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, and other professional organizations.

Cynthia Heslop RN, BSN

Cynthia Heslop is a resident of Burns Lake, BC, and is employed at the Southside Health and Wellness Centre.

Her 16 plus years working in various capacities in Public Health has certainly been asset to the NBIA over the years she has sat on the board. In addition to NBIA, she is involved in the Child and Youth Committee and Burns Lake Interagency Committee.

Her interest and involvement in the Northern Brain Injury Association stems from observing the impact of brain injury on patients and their families. She believes there is great need for supports and prevention in the North.

Don Callahan

Don Callahan wears many hats, including those of a father, community leader, volunteer, businessman and former Regional Director.

Mr. Callahan is well known and loved throughout northern BC, and his wisdom, social contributions and efforts have enriched many lives. When Don’s life became altered by an injury to his brain, he also became a very determined and vocal advocate for brain injury funding and resources.

Always willing to lend a hand, share his journey to recovery, and to offer an understanding ear, Don is a truly welcomed and valuable addition to the board.

Don’s previous board experience includes, but is not limited to: Big Brothers of BC, Prince George Library, University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (formerly Prince George Regional Hospital), Prince George Regional Development, Prince George Film, Hubble Homestead, and he was the founding chair of the Prince George Treaty Advisory Committee.

Alison Hagreen

Alison Hagreen is  a founding member of the Northern Brain Injury Association.

Mrs. Hagreen is one of a handful of people responsible for originally spearheading brain injury supports, services and awareness throughout British Columbia. Alison has positively transformed aids and services for survivors of brain injury in northern British Columbia.

Some of her efforts include the creation the Prince George Brain Injured Group’s ‘Bank’, to assist survivors to manage their limited finances, and she is a co-author of rehabilitational strategies so awesome that they are sought by brain injury professionals around the world. In addition, Alison has presented at brain injury conferences throughout western Canada, and has sat on many boards of directors, including that of the BC Brain Injury Association (now known as Brainstreams.ca).

In 2013, Alison was nominated for the Prince George Citizen of the Year. She currently participates in a number of advisory and other committees, but has restricted her board of director participation to just the Northern Brain Injury Association since 2005.

Joanne Voss

Joanne has a varied background of public service and volunteerism, beginning with and appointment as ad hoc Justice of the Peace and being elected for two terms as trustee for the Stikine School District.

Joanne’s work history includes various BC Government ministries including Skills, Training and Labour, Social Development and Community Corrections.

Volunteering has always been a major focus for Joanne including serving on non-profit boards such as Smithers Home Support Society, Bulkley Lodge Society, and an appointment to the Bulkley Valley Hospital Board.

Joanne spent many years facilitating a ten week course for family members with the BC Schizophrenia Society which led to work as co-ordinator for the Bulkley Valley with that Society.

A long time commitment of Joanne was with a group dedicated to provide services and housing to the homeless and at risk individuals. Smithers Action Group Society conducted the first Homelessness Count in Smithers and
after lobbying the BC Housing Commission and providing background information, eventually successfully seeing the construction of a housing complex.

It is Joanne’s passion to work with groups who provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities. After many years on the Board of the Bulkley Valley Brain Injury Association, it is a natural transition to the Board of Northern Brain Injury Association.

James Haggerstone

It is with heavy hearts that the NBIA Board of Directors and staff announce the sudden passing of our friend and long time board member James Haggerstone. James’s infectious smile and quick wit will be missed, however his memory will forever be present throughout our city in the many little brown patches that James transformed into beautiful garden plots.